Macfarlanes defied the depressed UK and European markets this year to record its second set of strong financial results in a row, with revenue up by 11.6% and profits per equity partner (PEP) increasing by 9.5% for 2012-13.

Revenue at the top 30 firm climbed from £102.3m to £114.2m with PEP rising from £903,000 to £989,000 – within touching distance of the £1m landmark the firm achieved during the credit boom. The figures follow another successful performance in 2011-12, when revenue grew 7.9% and PEP was up 20.1%.